I often wonder when a guy like Watt breaks out and turns into a true beast like he is, at what point did the coaches and players around him really know he would be this good? I don't think anyone knew when they drafted him. His first season he really turned it on late in the year and was especially dominant in the playoffs. Maybe the coaches and teammates knew then. I always find it cool when you see quotes like this from Cushing and you realize that other NFL players are just as in awe of a guy like JJ as we Joe Schmoe fans are.
NFL players probably appreciate Watt's greatness even more than the average fan does because they know what kind of work goes into it and just how difficult the opposition is week in and week out. Cushing even more so because he sees Watt all the time in the training room and on the practice field. Fans are limited to what the cameras show them on game day, and even then, we don't normally pay attention unless he's making an impact play (which admittedly, is a lot of the time.) That's why I like watching those biography specials on old school players where they interview their contemporaries. They way I see it, nobody understood MJ's greatness better than Bird, and vice versa.
I don't remember the stats that earned LT his MVP, but I bet Watt's 2012 was one of the best defensive seasons for a player ever.
Based on Advanced NFL Stats, Watt's season last year was the best season from a defensive player in their records for win probability added. No one within 10%. They calculate stats back to 2000.
In training camp last season Wade was absolutely gushing with praise with Watt and said he would have an amazing year.
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Like a mudda, I think he kept wearing that brace so that his mom or grandmother could easily locate him on the field. At least I believe I read that somewhere.